Fair manager stresses ride safety in wake of Raleigh accidents

Thursday

Oct 31, 2013 at 5:22 PM

Local organizers confident about safety as fair opens Friday.

By Paul StephenPaul.Stephen@StarNewsOnline.com

With a bellowing Tarzan yodel, Cape Fear Fair & Expo manager Skip Watkins outshouted the clamor of power tools, clanging steel and heavy trucks on the fairgrounds at the Wilmington International Airport on Thursday afternoon. Hosting a media luncheon aimed at giving details about the upcoming event, Watkins was competing for attention with the sounds of a midway coming to life.He wasted little time in tackling the issue of ride safety during the meeting, immediately addressing the N.C. State Fair accident that left five injured and an amusement operator facing charges last week. Another accident left a worker critically injured when a second ride bearing the same name, the Vortex, was dismantled.Family Attractions Amusement Co. owns the ride, and was hired as a subcontractor at the Raleigh fair by Powers Great American Midways, which also operates at the Cape Fear Fair & Expo. Watkins emphasized a rigorous inspection protocol, repeatedly noting Powers' safety record. "The unfortunate incident in Raleigh that happened last week was not a part of the Powers organization," Watkins said.Les "Corky" Powers, owner of Powers Great American Midways, said Family Attractions Amusement is not being used as a subcontractor for the Cape Fear Fair & Expo.Reports indicated fair attendance dropping 11 percent following the accident, but Watkins remains confident events in Raleigh will have little impact locally. "We're not that worried," he said. "We've literally had zero phone calls at the office about it."Watkins said fair organizers are also concerned with a public perception that violence in the wake of several Wilmington-area shootings could spill over to the fairgrounds. Watkins said security has been doubled, but declined to elaborate on specifics. "We just want to make sure the community feels safe," he said. Watkins drew attention to new features at this year's fair as well. Carolina Farmin', which recently closed its Market Street grocery store, will remain in the public eye with the first farmers market held on fairgrounds thanks to a partnership with the Department of Agriculture's Got to be NC program. "You can actually buy locally grown produce here at the fair," Watkins said. "They'll store it behind the counter for you, and you can take it with you when you leave."Two new amusements join the 42-ride roster. A children's ride named Gold Rush Extreme joins a double Ferris wheel with sideways-facing seats called Stampede. "I will be on the first ride when that operates," Watkins said. "I'm looking forward to it. I ride all the new rides. I love to do that."